The best places for al fresco dining in London including The River Cafe and The Ivy Chelsea Garden

There’s something magical that happens in London when the sun dares to shine. Coats are cast off, sunglasses are donned with abandon (even when it’s still technically overcast), and the city’s many hidden courtyards, buzzing rooftops, and leafy terraces come to life. Yes, dear reader, it’s officially al fresco dining season.

Whether it’s a cheeky Aperol spritz after work or a languid weekend brunch with your besties, eating outdoors in the capital transforms even the simplest of meals into a mini holiday.

Al fresco dining in London is more than a meal – it’s a mood, a moment, a sun-kissed celebration of the fleeting British summer.

Whether you’re tucking into tapas on a rooftop or sipping wine by the river, these open-air gems promise plenty of good vibes and even better bites. Just don’t forget your sunglasses – and maybe a brolly. This is London, after all.

Join us as we skip through the loveliest open-air dining spots London has to offer.

1. The River Café, Hammersmith

Let’s start with a true London legend. The River Café is where rustic Italian cooking meets riverside chic. Tucked away in leafy Hammersmith, this Michelin-starred institution has a dreamy garden terrace that feels more Amalfi Coast than West London. Tables shaded by olive trees, plates piled high with handmade pasta, and the gentle sound of the Thames burbling by? Bellissimo. Book early, bring someone you want to impress, and prepare to linger.

2. Parrillan, Borough’s Yard

Sunshine, sangria, and your own personal grill – Parrillan in Borough’s Yard delivers all three in stylish spades. This open-air terrace perched above Coal Drops Yard serves up Spanish small plates with a twist: you can cook some of them yourself on mini parrillas (grills) at your table. Think blistered padrón peppers, juicy gambas, and smoky Iberian pork. It's interactive dining, but make it fashionable.

3. Dalloway Terrace, Bloomsbury

If you’ve ever wanted to eat lunch inside a living Pinterest board, Dalloway Terrace is your place. With fairy lights, flower installations that change with the seasons, and plush furnishings, it’s basically a rom-com waiting to happen. The terrace is heated and covered, so it’s perfect for those unpredictable “is it summer or is it November?” days. The menu is classic-with-a-twist, and the atmosphere is pure whimsical charm.

4. The Culpeper, Spitalfields

Yes, it’s a pub. But not just any pub. The Culpeper’s rooftop garden is a green wonderland, complete with raised vegetable beds, herbs galore, and twinkling festoon lights. It feels like the lovechild of an East End boozer and a country allotment – and we mean that in the best possible way. The rooftop kitchen uses produce grown just feet away from your table. How’s that for local?

5. Circolo Popolare, Fitzrovia

Want to dine in a fantasy land of twinkling fairy lights, 20,000 bottles of booze lining the walls, and portions so generous they could feed a small village? Welcome to Circolo Popolare. The outdoor terrace, decked out with florals and vibrant parasols, is a riot of colour and chaos – in the best way. It’s a party, it’s a feast, it’s a whole vibe.

6. Scott’s, Richmond

If you’re after something a little more refined, make your way to Scott’s in Richmond. Overlooking the Thames, this sister to the Mayfair original is all white tablecloths, polished service, and oysters on ice. The terrace feels straight out of a glossy travel mag, especially on a golden hour evening. Think elegant seafood, glinting champagne glasses, and well-dressed dogs reclining by their owners’ chairs.

What to order: Oysters to start, grilled lobster for the main event, and a bottle of something bubbly, because life is short and you’re worth it.

7. Mercato Metropolitano, Elephant & Castle

Al fresco doesn’t have to mean fancy. For a more laid-back vibe, head to Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant & Castle – a sprawling open-air market with everything from fresh pasta to Venezuelan arepas. It’s family-friendly, wallet-friendly, and ideal for those “I can’t decide what to eat “ days. Plenty of outdoor seating and a community garden to wander through between bites.

8. The Ivy Chelsea Garden, Chelsea

The Ivy Chelsea Garden is pure theatre. The outdoor space – part English country garden, part movie set – is famously OTT, with floral archways, ornate fountains, and hedges so manicured they’d make Versailles jealous. The crowd is just as groomed, but the menu caters to everyone from breakfast-goers to cocktail sippers to Sunday roast lovers.

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